The Influence of D-penicillamine on Granuloma Formation in Implanted Collagen Sponges in Ferritin-sensitized and Non-sensitized Guinea Pigs
In ferritin-sensitized and non-sensitized guinea pigs, using the method of granuloma formation within peritoneally implanted collagen sponges that were either impregnated or not impregnated with ferritin, the effects of D-penicillamine on the cellular aspects of thus created granulomas were quantitatively evaluated by scheduled administration. Daily administration of D-penicillamine (200 mg/kg) for 14 days before and 10, 14 or 18 days after the sponge implantation decreased small mononuclear cell population (SMN) which consisted of lymphocytes, small monocytes and plasma cells, on the 10th-18th days in sponge granulomas in both sensitized and non-sensitized groups, but the administration for 14 days before the sponge implantation higher increased SMN infil- tration on the 14th day in sensitized group. This phenomenon disclosed a close association with a marked infiltration of perivascular lymphocytes and plasma cells in the presence of granulomatous inflammation with the involvement of the delayed hypersensitivity reaction. The enhancement of the dominant lymphocytes infiltrating perivascularly by D-penicillamine may be mediated by chemotactic factors such as lymphokines inducing the delayed hypersensitivity reaction. On the other hand, the frequency of foreign body multinucleated giant cells was decreased by daily administration of D-penicillamine before and after implantation in both groups. This decrease in the number of the giant cells is considered to be due to inhibition of accumulation in the sponges of macrophages and/or monocytes to be fused.
